By Douglas Princemola
In a dramatic show of political dominance, Federal Capital Territory Minister and former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike has taken control of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, just weeks before the August 30 local government elections.
With his loyalists leading the charge in both major parties, Wike is poised to dictate the outcome of the polls, leaving Governor Siminalayi Fubara—once his political protégé—largely powerless. The two fell out last year, sparking a legislative split, halting governance, and derailing Fubara’s efforts to build an independent power base.
The crisis escalated to the point where President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspended both the governor and the state assembly, and appointed retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator. The reconstituted electoral body under Ibas has now cleared the way for Wike’s allies to dominate the race.
Political analysts warn that the upcoming elections could give Wike unparalleled grassroots control, cementing his influence across party lines and reshaping Rivers State’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
